Passion for STEM shared

Passion for STEM shared
For Richard Pountney, STEM is a passion, and at the STEM Enterprise Skills Workshop held at the Burswood Convention Centre this month, he was able to share this enthusiasm with an audience of over 100 teachers and students from across the State.
During his speech, the Year 12 student described how his involvement with the Smith Family’s Robotics program many years ago sparked a fascination with STEM, and shared some of the STEM activities and projects he is currently engaged with at Southern River College.
For Richard, a student with autism, the speech was not only an opportunity to discuss STEM but an opportunity to be a role model and show people what they can achieve if they work hard and apply themselves.
STEM Coordinator Darren Smith invited Richard to speak at the workshop because of his commitment and success in STEM, “Richard shows how a successful STEM education can motivate a student to pursue a career in a technical field they would not have considered previously. Also, Richard is neuro-diverse and his success and aspirations to seek a career within a STEM field demonstrates that all can succeed if they receive appropriate support and work hard.”
Picture:
Richard being interviewed after his speech.